"Phew, I'm tired."

Hyun-woo dragged his tired body back home. With the start of the event quest, he had stayed up for two days. Other players were able to leave their characters, and occasionally rest when the monsters' attacks slowed down, but Hyun-woo couldn't afford such luxury.

Even when there wasn't any fighting, he had care for the sick patients in the shelter. Although they had regained their vitality with the success of his miraculous treatment, the disease hadn't been fully cured. For Hyun-woo, who regretted missing out on even 1 contribution point, it was actually rather fortunate.

However, no matter how busy he was with the quest, he couldn't forget to stop by the hospital once every two days. If he neglected his mother because of a game, then wouldn't that be putting the cart before the horse?

'Still, it's a relief mother has gotten so much better.' A smile spread on Hyun-woo's lips.

After starting rehabilitation treatment, his mother's complexion had been improving day by day.

Even though he, himself, had heavy, dark circles under his eyes, Hyun-woo was still as worried as ever. However, because there was the option Gwon Hwa-rang had roughly suggested, his anxiety wasn't as sharp as before. In any case, there was no better cure for Hyun Woo's intense fatigue than the news of his mother's health improvement.

'Should I sleep for a couple of hours before I log in?' If I don't sleep now, I won't be able to sleep for the whole day...'

It had already been two days since the start of the event quest. There was only one day remaining now. Hyun-woo forcefully lifted his eyelids, which were slowly drooping on their own, as he turned the TV on out of habit. He didn't know when such a habit had formed, but he couldn't fall asleep well if his surroundings weren't noisy. As a result, setting a timer on the TV and falling asleep had hardened into a habit.

A game coverage broadcast happened to be starting on TV. It was a program that usually handled general games, but recently, two thirds of the reports were about New World, which was being broadcasted as a social topic. Moreover, since the start of the event quest, it had turned into a New World feature program altogether.

A pretty reporter was giving a lengthy report regarding New World on the TV screen.

"I shall now take you to find out about this event quest. Mr. Ha Myung-woo, have you been well?"

"Yes, it's nice to see you."

When a familiar face appeared on TV, Hyun-woo turned up the volume slightly.

"As I said mentioned before, the viewers are curious about many matters regarding this event quest. First, it's said that there was no announcement before this quest started, and, because of it, I've heard theres been a flood of complaints from players who could not participate. What do you think about this issue, Sir?"

"We are listening attentively, since they are words coming from those who value New World so much. However, New World is a perfect virtual reality world. If an operating interferes with such a world to announce future incidents in advance, or if information is leaked, it will cause a severe problem in the game's overall balance. Therefore, Global Exos is adhering to an onlooker position regarding game progress."

"Then, do you mean to say the next event will also occur without any prior notice?"

"As it has not yet been discussed in detail, I cannot say. What Icansay is that New World is a world exclusively made for the players. The start of the event was not intended by the developers, but by each and every user's course of actions and decisions, naturally influencing the progression."

"How surprising. Then, ultimately, it means that New World is no different from reality, right?"

"That is exactly the game ideal we seek." Ha Myung-woo laughed, as if pleased with the reporter's words.

"Then let's change the topic. There was recently the subject of the epic item sold for 70 million Won (~$70,000) on the auction site specializing in selling New World items. What are your thoughts on such an event?"

'70 million Won?' Hyun-woo felt choked. It had only been three months since the opening of New World. Ultimately, players were, at best, were under level 100, but 70 million won... Then, didn't it mean items of such value could easily appear in the future?

However, on TV, Ha Myung-woo did not show a very surprised reaction. "Well, it has already been 20 years since item trading was made legal. Since then, countless items have been traded, and more than a few of the expensive ones exceeded the millions in price. Though it hasn't been long since we opened, I think it is natural for an item with such a price to appear. In addition, I believe an item of unprecedented price will appear in New World soon."

"Wow, I'm already trembling in anticipation! I'm starting to understand the words of the many game tycoons who were chatting on the internet. Then, please continue to make a good game for us."

"Yes, we will try."

Ha Myung-woo bowed as the TV visual changed.

'Game tycoons...'

That was the term coined for the people who struck it rich by selling a game item. Of course, becoming one would require investing countless hours and luck, but it was a fantasy dreamt by every gamer who played for a living as they logged in.

Hyun-woo was surely not an exception. Even if it wasn't to the extent of being a tycoon, he thought there would be nothing more to desire if he could just live without worrying about his monthly bills.

'But that too will only be possible if my stamina keeps up.'

Hyun-woo closed his eyes as he yawned wide. However, his eyes snapped open like a surprised rabbit at the next sounds from the TV.

"Unfortunately, due to the secrecy of the developers, we are still unable to acquire videos related to the event quest. Apparently, players participating in the quest who have captured screen footage, were unable to send us their videos because they cannot logout. However, we were able to meet, with difficulty, the famous player who, according to the reports of several players, currently stands at 1st place in quest contribution points. Did you say your ID was Alan?"

'Alan!'

Hyun-woo shot to his feet and locked his gaze on the TV screen.

"Yes, I am Alan."

The person who replied to the reporter's question was a young man in his early 20s. With a handsome face and wearing clothes that looked expensive at first glance, even his figure was model-class. Seeing his easy composure despite being on camera, it seemed like he was a successful celebrity.

'So this man is Alan...' A sigh flowed out on its own.

There were many cases where players with good-looking characters in the game were actually dull in appearance. But for Alan, it was the opposite. The Holy Knight Alan was a considerable pretty boy, but seeing the real Alan was enough to make you think the in-game character had actually been a little messed up.

At the sight of Alan smiling from within the TV at him, Ark felt a baseless sense of defeat.

Rich, handsome, and he likely had a good academic background, since he was enough to be recruited into Global Exos. There was nothing he lacked. He was not someone who could even be compared to Hyun-woo, who lacked so very, very much. Thinking of the Kang Mi-su, whom he had liked quite a lot, he inadvertently blew out a sigh. Honestly, if Hyun-woo was a girl, his heart would lean towards Alan rather than himself. It appeared the reporter thought so as well.

"I didn't expect you to be so handsome. If you say you like games, no wonder I get a dark feeling..."

[T/N: The reporter is wryly suggesting that considering his looks, Alan could be a playa. Of girls as well as games.]

"That too is a story from the past."

"Oh ho, is that saying you believe you're good-lookin'?"

"Surely not. However, I think it is a bias to say I am 'dark' for playing games."

"Yes, looking at Alan-nim, I do think that way. But often, famous individuals are usually reluctant to show their faces in-game. What are your thoughts on that, Alan-nim?"

"It would also differ depending on one's individual personalities. The Holy Knight Alan I am raising is always a dignified character. I have never done anything bad in the game, and I've never sowed anyone's hatred. There's really no reason to hide."

"Wow, so cool. Then you're saying you've gotten 1st place in this quest fair and square."

"Of course. However, I am not first because of my own successes. In reality or in-game, there's no one who succeeds alone. I have many friends, and I simply became first some way or another through their help. So first, I have to give them my thanks."

"You even speak well. Even I would want to help you."

"Thank y"

Hyun-woo turned off the TV.

No one can succeed alone. Hearing those words made Hyun-woo feel as if everything he had done in New World was being denied. Even if those words were true, he didn't want to hear any more. Hyun-woo threw off his blanket and entered the unit.

'I can't win in anything against Alan in reality. So I cannot, and will not lose to him in the game. Wait and see, Alan, I will surpass you someday at all costs!'

He had long since forgotten his fatigue.

* * *

- A sudden assault by an assassination skill has dealt you a critical hit. 300 X 3 damage taken.